RICKY GONZALEZ

NSYMCA Camp Director

Camp Director Ricky Gonzalez is preparing for his sixth summer at the North Suburban YMCA, where he will manage a staff of 130 and oversee 40 summer camp programs.

Ricky leads the Youth Development, Sports, and Gymnastics departments during the school year.

Before joining the North Suburban YMCA, Ricky served as the Camp Director for the Evanston Recreation Department for 11 years. His extensive background in youth programming includes directing youth sports, coaching soccer, basketball, and baseball, and teaching preschool and kindergarten.

Ricky’s coaching mentality extends to his leadership style with his staff. He is deeply involved in ensuring they have the tools, training, and knowledge to create a safe and fun environment for campers at all times. He is committed to supporting his team and making sure they are equipped to help each camper have the best experience possible.

Ricky’s primary goal is to foster a community filled with enthusiasm, creativity, and passion, while maintaining a strong focus on safety, fun, teamwork, inclusion, and anti-racism. His biggest priority is that every camper, family, and staff member feels they belong and can be their true selves at the NSYMCA summer camp.

What sets Ricky apart is his ability to set aside his ego, listen attentively, and always ask, “What can I do to help?”. He understands the importance of building meaningful relationships with those he works with and believes that effective leadership comes from ensuring that your team feels valued, respected, and supported.

Originally from Evanston, IL, Ricky graduated from Evanston Township High School, where he earned varsity letters in football and baseball. He went on to play baseball at Linfield College, where he graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education.

In his free time, Ricky enjoys spending time outdoors and at the beach with his wife, Caroline, and their children, Leo, Mia, and Owen.